Harlequins statement: Ross Chisholm retires, Charlie Matthews leaves

Harlequins have announced that stalwart Ross Chisholm is to retire and experienced lock Charlie Matthews will leave the club at the end of this season. Quins are in Big Summer Kick-Off mode, signing off on their various preparations for this Saturday’s match at Twickenham versus Bath. Part of that readiness is confirmation that the 32-year-old Chisholm and the 31-year-old Mathews won’t be with the Londoners next season.

A statement read: “Harlequins stalwart Ross Chisholm has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2022/23 season having amassed 128 appearances in a 14-year career at the club.

“An electric and versatile back three player, Chisholm started at Haywards Heath before earning selection in the Harlequins academy, making his senior debut in 2009. Chisholm soon became a regular squad member helping Quins win the European Challenge Cup in 2011, the Aviva Premiership in 2011/12, Gallagher Premiership in 2020/21 and the LV Cup in 2012/13.

“In May 2019, Chisholm achieved his milestone 100th Harlequins cap against Worcester Warriors, before earning three further appearances during the victorious 2020/21 season. Alongside his playing career, Chisholm was also appointed the Harlequins women’s skills coach, joining the coaching set-up in August 2022.

“Harlequins have also confirmed that experienced lock Charlie Matthews will depart at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season. The Academy graduate, who re-joined Harlequins in August following two years in Japan, has appeared eight times this season to take his club tally to 172 matches.

“Matthews amassed 164 Harlequins appearances between 2009 and 2018, earning 109 starts before moving to Premiership rivals Wasps ahead of the 2018/19 season. The 6ft 7in forward achieved 27 appearances for Quins and Wasps in the Champions Cup and represented England at Saxons and age-group level.”

Head coach Tabai Matson said: “Ross has been an outstanding servant to Harlequins for his entire career and we are enormously proud of his dedication and commitment to the club for the best part of 14 years. He is an exceptional leader, a fantastic role model for our young players and a true favourite amongst the Harlequins faithful. We are sad to see Ross retiring from rugby, but we are hugely grateful for his service and loyalty to Quins

“We are also massively grateful to Charlie for stepping back into the Harlequins programme this season and for contributing a huge amount to our club. He has been an outstanding Harlequins ambassador and we are thankful for the commitment and service he has shown. I know our fantastic supporters have loved having Charlie back at The Stoop. He is an academy graduate and a club centurion and will always remain part of the Harlequins family.”

Chisholm added: “I have a huge amount of pride to have played for my boyhood club. I remember as a 10-year-old sitting in the stands and watching Keith Wood score a try for Harlequins. As a local lad that really sparked my love for the club and my desire to want to play for Quins.

“I am sad to be hanging up my boots but immensely grateful for the amazing memories I have experienced. Having the opportunity to play alongside my brother James, and being privileged to play in some incredible triumphs, winning two Premierships, the LV Cup and European Challenge Cup.”